FDL Fire Chief Favors Sprinkler Rule

Fond du Lac Fire Chief Peter O’Leary is hoping a rule that requires fire sprinkler systems in new apartment buildings with three or more apartments will remain in place. The rule is in limbo while the state’s Attorney General formulates an opinion on whether the rule is enforceable. O’Leary spoke about the rule during a hearing at Fox Valley Technical College. He says a change on the rule would be a step backwards. He points out that while working smoke detectors may alert you to a fire, the sprinklers could actually end up saving your life. O’Leary says changing the rule would be tough on firefighters because it would make their job a lot harder and more dangerous.